“Shatter Aurangzeb’s Pride”: How Pandit Gag Bhatt Urged Shivaji to Coronation at Shivneri

As the nation celebrates Shivaji Jayanti on February 19, large crowds gathered at Shivneri Fort in Pune district, the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, commemorating his historic Rajyabhishek (coronation). The celebrations, however, were marred by a stampede in which several women and children were injured.

Pandit Gag Bhatt’s Message to Shivaji

In 1674, Pandit Gag Bhatt, a revered scholar from Varanasi, conveyed to Shivaji:

“Only you have demonstrated true valor by defeating Muslim sultans, pacifying Aurangzeb, and defeating his advisors. You have secured a vast kingdom, an army of one lakh cavalry, 360 forts, and immense wealth. Yet, you remain without a formal throne. We wish to crown you, so that other rulers may honor you as the king of kings. Only with a formal coronation can a ruler receive due respect. By doing so, you will shatter Aurangzeb’s pride.”

These accounts are documented in Nilkant Sadashiv Takakhav’s 20th-century book, The Life of Shivaji Maharaj.

Who Was Pandit Gag Bhatt?

Born Vishweshwar Pandit, Gag Bhatt was a prominent 17th-century scholar from Varanasi. He performed Shivaji’s Upanayan Sanskar and later officiated his coronation at Raigad Fort on June 6, 1674, following Vedic rituals. He also proclaimed Shivaji’s lineage as Kshatriya.

Rituals at the Coronation

Pandit Gag Bhatt arranged a ceremonial bath for Shivaji using water collected from seven sacred rivers: Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, Sindhu, Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The water was poured over Shivaji’s head with Vedic chants.

Upon becoming Chhatrapati, Shivaji Maharaj first touched his mother Jijabai’s feet and sought her blessings. Around 50,000 people had gathered at Raigad Fort for the ceremony.

Shivaji also revived the ancient Indrabhishek ritual, which had been discontinued since the 9th century, earning him the title “Shakakarta”, symbolizing Maratha strength.

Shivneri Fort: From Birthplace to Strategic Stronghold

Shivaji was born at Shivneri Fort on February 19, 1630, in Junnar, Pune district. His mother Jijabai took him away in 1632. In 1637, under a treaty, the fort came under Mughal control.

Although the Marathas, led by Shivaji, attempted to reclaim the fort in 1673 and again in 1678, both attempts failed. Finally, in 1716, Shivaji’s grandson Shahu Maharaj brought Shivneri under Maratha control, and it was later handed over to the Peshwas.

Legacy

Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation, guided by Pandit Gag Bhatt, not only established him as a sovereign ruler but also symbolized the resilience and valor of the Marathas against Mughal domination. His birth and coronation at Shivneri Fort remain a cornerstone of Maratha pride and Indian history.